As I am ALMOST Retired I may end up looking to Whites, a final pair to end my career paths and the rest of my final working days. Can remember my Great Uncle Emmet Branson, was from south of here but ended up in the Refinery Switchyards at Wood River IL, passed away 1969 a bachelor at 85. We had to clean his rented room out where placed ALL of his belongings into a small suitcase and a small box. He had been buried in his Work Boots and had a duplicate pair in his room, only shoes he had, full high top lace to the top smooth leather soles and spit shined to a high gloss, Never knew him not to be wearing working man's boots. Worked as a Yardman at first stepping into Brakeman and car switchman for the old tank operations. Retired from Standard Oil in 1955.
His official clothing were Pleated and Pressed cuffed slacks, Long sleeve WHITE shirts, of course the boots with a Cardigan Sweater and a Hounds Tooth jacket topped with a Stetson Fedora. He had a set of Coveralls for when had his cars(Still had as died), an extra and New Fedora in a box, the two pair boots six pair slacks and seven shirts, Misc under clothes and eight pair socks. A Bible, a Rosary, a small gold band for whatever purpose or from his Mother?, a pocket watch received as retired with his bifold wallet, a pen knife and a pocket knife, A few odd old books and was all he had, a radio in his room was there before he got the room. Never owned a house, always lived in rented rooms and ate at a local diner two meals a day.
been trying to stretch them back out all weekend.
